Saturday, November 26, 2011

How Do We Raise A Nation Of Readers?




"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is best of all"

-Jacqueline Kennedy-



The first time I read to a group of two-year-olds, I was scared. Scared really doesn't quite describe it. How about shaking? Terrified and shaking scared.


They sat with their parents on the floor of the library waiting for the opening words of "Very Hungry Caterpillar." Still quaking after a second book, I led them in a rousing chorus of "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and sent them all on their way.


It wasn't long before these Twos became my favorite people.


Their parents were young and insecure, seated in front of an almost as young and insecure assistant children's librarian. We learned together the importance of reading to the very young. We discovered which books work best in groups and which books are better for a quiet cuddle time.


I am still amazed at how many of my Twos would sit quietly during Story Time. Eyes would be fixated, enraptured with books about five little monkeys or bleating sheep.


Was this just fun and games or something much more important?


According to PBS/Parents, reading to a toddler (ages 18-36 months) is a powerful preparation for reading. At this age, hearing a story repeated over and over teaches how a story is built, which will help with reading and writing skills at a later age Language development is promoted by stopping often throughout a book and labeling objects on each page.


Yes, it is okay and even encouraged, to stop and talk about the story during the story!


Learning to read can happen just about anywhere.


Make a car ride educational. The U.S. Department of Education suggests pointing out letters and familiar words in traffic signs and billboards, even to the youngest pre-readers. Play a game of finding specific letters on a cereal box. Grocery stores are perfect for sounding out new words.


Educational trends "show an increase in the proportion of children ages 3-5 who were read to by a family member every day in the last week, from 54% in 1999 to 58% in 2001," according to the National Institutes of Health. The report added that "young children who are read to are also more likely to read well by the time they are school age and to score higher academically than are young children who are not read to."


Reading together doesn't have to be at bedtime but should be a part of the daily routine. Find a comfy chair, practice your best baa-baa, and have fun reading to your own enraptured audience.



Suggested Books For Toddlers


Carle, Eric - Very Hungry Caterpillar. Carle is one of my favorite children's authors. He succeeds with both outstanding artwork and simple stories that help teach everything from colors to days of the week. Any book by Carle is recommended!


Ehlert, Lois - Color Zoo. Described as making children's eyes "tingle" (Amazon) , Ehlert's books teach colors and shapes (to name just two skills) while cleverly cut out pages yield many surprises. Ehlert is another author who hits a home run with each book.


Wood, Audrey - Napping House. Who doesn't like a book that yells at the end? Even the youngest listener can guess what will happen when the flea joins the napping family. The story's repetition won't bore the reader and will delight the audience.


Oxenbury, Helen - We're Going On A Bear Hunt. Wonderfully enthusiastic, this book is fun to read aloud (and act out!). Also, has repetitive sentences sure to be a hit with listeners.


Various - Itsy Bitsy Spider. The determined little spider still hasn't given up. Talking in singsong to children is also believed to be beneficial to language development according to a report on NPR in 2005.